Jimmy Davis's Blog, page 6
December 2, 2011
Unwrapping the Gospel
Slow as Christmas.
Certainly you've heard (or used) that phrase a time or two in your life. "Come on, kids, you're gonna be late for school. You're about as slow as Christmas." I love Christmas, but I'll admit, the older I get, the quicker Christmas seems to get here. But when I was a kid . . . I thought Christmas Day would never arrive. What makes the coming of Christmas slow? Anticipation. Waiting. Longing. Hoping.
I'll never forget the year I couldn't, or wouldn't, wait till Christmas morning. That year mom wanted to get ahead of the game, so she decided to wrap a few of our presents early and put them under the tree. Since my parents were both working full-time, I spent some time alone at home each afternoon. [Warning Kids! Do not try this at home!] That year, I sneakily unwrapped all of my presents, took a peek at what they were, then carefully re-wrapped them so that no one was the wiser about my naughty-list behavior. There was one gift I was particularly excited about: an Atari video game cartridge. Not only did I unwrap that gift, but I actually took the game out and played it almost every afternoon for two weeks!
My plan backfired. I can honestly say that Christmas morning was the most boring Christmas morning I've ever experienced. There was nothing to look forward to. Nothing to anticipate. No surprises. I had to pretend to be surprised and feign enthusiasm for gifts with which I was already too familiar. My folks were amazed at how good I was at a video game that I had just received, and then shocked at how quickly it bored me.
Why did I do that? Because I couldn't wait to see what my gifts were, and in the case of the one that excited me most I couldn't wait to unwrap it and put it to use!
But there are some gifts you're not all that eager to open and put to use . . . because you know who gave them to you. You're not that eager to open up Aunt Myrtle's Christmas gift because you know it's going to be yet another hand-crocheted turtle neck Christmas sweater that is either too big, too small, or just too ugly to wear in public! Sometimes you wonder, don't you, "Does Aunt Myrtle really know me? She doesn't know what I like, what I want, or even what size I need." Those are the kinds of gifts we'd rather leave wrapped under the tree. The kind we don't want to open on Christmas, much less any other day of the year.
I've been thinking about the ultimate gift of Christmas, the gift of Jesus as He is offered to us in the gospel. And I've been asking myself, "How do I approach the gift of Jesus?" Is there evidence in my life that I am eager to unwrap the gospel and put it to use in my daily life? Does the gospel capture my attention and my affections? Or, do I treat the gospel like Aunt Myrtle's sweater? Do I leave the good news about Jesus wrapped up under the tree? Do I think it's out of style, too small for me, too big for me? Do I assume that in the gospel God has given me something I don't really need or want?
I don't want to do that again this year to the gift of Jesus and His gospel. I want to have the Apostle Paul's eager excitement about Jesus. He said "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible (indescribable) gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15). Isn't that what you want to say?
So, this Advent and Christmas season here at The Cruciform Life Blog, we're going to look into God's Word to unwrap 5 gifts that Jesus gives us in the gospel. Each week we'll look at one of those gifts, think about how it fits in the Story of Jesus, think a little more deeply about what the gift means, and think about how we can put that gift to use as individuals and as congregations in the year to come.
Stay tuned . . .
I'll never forget the year I couldn't, or wouldn't, wait till Christmas morning. That year mom wanted to get ahead of the game, so she decided to wrap a few of our presents early and put them under the tree. Since my parents were both working full-time, I spent some time alone at home each afternoon. [Warning Kids! Do not try this at home!] That year, I sneakily unwrapped all of my presents, took a peek at what they were, then carefully re-wrapped them so that no one was the wiser about my naughty-list behavior. There was one gift I was particularly excited about: an Atari video game cartridge. Not only did I unwrap that gift, but I actually took the game out and played it almost every afternoon for two weeks!
My plan backfired. I can honestly say that Christmas morning was the most boring Christmas morning I've ever experienced. There was nothing to look forward to. Nothing to anticipate. No surprises. I had to pretend to be surprised and feign enthusiasm for gifts with which I was already too familiar. My folks were amazed at how good I was at a video game that I had just received, and then shocked at how quickly it bored me.
Why did I do that? Because I couldn't wait to see what my gifts were, and in the case of the one that excited me most I couldn't wait to unwrap it and put it to use!
But there are some gifts you're not all that eager to open and put to use . . . because you know who gave them to you. You're not that eager to open up Aunt Myrtle's Christmas gift because you know it's going to be yet another hand-crocheted turtle neck Christmas sweater that is either too big, too small, or just too ugly to wear in public! Sometimes you wonder, don't you, "Does Aunt Myrtle really know me? She doesn't know what I like, what I want, or even what size I need." Those are the kinds of gifts we'd rather leave wrapped under the tree. The kind we don't want to open on Christmas, much less any other day of the year.
I've been thinking about the ultimate gift of Christmas, the gift of Jesus as He is offered to us in the gospel. And I've been asking myself, "How do I approach the gift of Jesus?" Is there evidence in my life that I am eager to unwrap the gospel and put it to use in my daily life? Does the gospel capture my attention and my affections? Or, do I treat the gospel like Aunt Myrtle's sweater? Do I leave the good news about Jesus wrapped up under the tree? Do I think it's out of style, too small for me, too big for me? Do I assume that in the gospel God has given me something I don't really need or want?
I don't want to do that again this year to the gift of Jesus and His gospel. I want to have the Apostle Paul's eager excitement about Jesus. He said "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible (indescribable) gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15). Isn't that what you want to say?
So, this Advent and Christmas season here at The Cruciform Life Blog, we're going to look into God's Word to unwrap 5 gifts that Jesus gives us in the gospel. Each week we'll look at one of those gifts, think about how it fits in the Story of Jesus, think a little more deeply about what the gift means, and think about how we can put that gift to use as individuals and as congregations in the year to come.
Stay tuned . . .
November 17, 2011
Cruciform Press FREE Samplers
My publisher,
Cruciform Press
, has just released its second sampler of books in a free e-book format at their website.
You can read the table of contents, endorsements, the introduction, chapter one, and most of chapter two from my book Cruciform: Living the Cross Shaped Life as featured in this sampler volume.
Check out all the other great titles from Cruciform Press, too!
You can read the table of contents, endorsements, the introduction, chapter one, and most of chapter two from my book Cruciform: Living the Cross Shaped Life as featured in this sampler volume.
Check out all the other great titles from Cruciform Press, too!
October 31, 2011
Sermon Series on Habakkuk
I just finished preaching a sermon series called "Real Life Prayers: Reflections from Habakkuk" at our church. Here are the links to each sermon:
Real Life Prayers - Part One: "Heaven's Complaint Department" (Habakkuk 1:1 -- 2:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Two: "Just Faith" (Habakkuk 2:1 -- 3:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Three: "Woe Is Me!" (Habakkuk 2:1 -- 3:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Four: "The Ultimate Question" (Habakkuk 3)
Real Life Prayers - Part One: "Heaven's Complaint Department" (Habakkuk 1:1 -- 2:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Two: "Just Faith" (Habakkuk 2:1 -- 3:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Three: "Woe Is Me!" (Habakkuk 2:1 -- 3:2)
Real Life Prayers - Part Four: "The Ultimate Question" (Habakkuk 3)
Review of Cruciform at The Reformed Reader
Though I'm a little late getting this on the blog, here's the
latest review
of Cruciform by Adam Holland at
TheReformedReader.com
.
An excerpt from Adam's encouraging review:
"The book is very short and an enjoyable read. Davis has a ton of great illustrations. All the illustrations are personal and easy to remember. The book is extremely simple and easy to follow. This book is a great introductory book for a new believer. The book covers the three uses of the law in an extraordinary way.
My personal favorite section of the book was where Davis discusses "Cross-Centered Spiritual Disciplines." The term "Spiritual Disciplines" has been revived within our culture through many great modern writers (e.g. Don Whitney, John Piper, Michael Haykin, ect). The problem I encounter most often is people believing the spiritual disciplines are the rule by which one stands righteous before God. Although no one would admit that they believed that they stand before God by their faithfulness to these disciplines, their actions testify to the contrary. An example for this can be seen in man's constant condemnation of themselves when they miss one of these spiritual disciplines or when these disciplines become a checklist. I have done my quiet time, have fasted, and prayed, therefore God looks well upon me. I missed one of these disciplines this week; therefore God is not happy with me. Davis coins a new phrase that helps elevate this problem, Christ-Centered Spiritual Disciplines. These disciplines need to be seen correctly in light of Christ and his finished work. These disciplines rightfully seen become a tool created for the believer's joy. These disciplines rightfully applied are a means of grace for the souls of believers.
I would highly recommend the book. This book is simple, short, and inexpensive."
An excerpt from Adam's encouraging review:
"The book is very short and an enjoyable read. Davis has a ton of great illustrations. All the illustrations are personal and easy to remember. The book is extremely simple and easy to follow. This book is a great introductory book for a new believer. The book covers the three uses of the law in an extraordinary way.
My personal favorite section of the book was where Davis discusses "Cross-Centered Spiritual Disciplines." The term "Spiritual Disciplines" has been revived within our culture through many great modern writers (e.g. Don Whitney, John Piper, Michael Haykin, ect). The problem I encounter most often is people believing the spiritual disciplines are the rule by which one stands righteous before God. Although no one would admit that they believed that they stand before God by their faithfulness to these disciplines, their actions testify to the contrary. An example for this can be seen in man's constant condemnation of themselves when they miss one of these spiritual disciplines or when these disciplines become a checklist. I have done my quiet time, have fasted, and prayed, therefore God looks well upon me. I missed one of these disciplines this week; therefore God is not happy with me. Davis coins a new phrase that helps elevate this problem, Christ-Centered Spiritual Disciplines. These disciplines need to be seen correctly in light of Christ and his finished work. These disciplines rightfully seen become a tool created for the believer's joy. These disciplines rightfully applied are a means of grace for the souls of believers.
I would highly recommend the book. This book is simple, short, and inexpensive."
July 8, 2011
Review of Cruciform at Brandywine Books
The latest review of
Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
can be found at
BrandywineBooks.net
. My thanks to Phil Wade for these kind words:
Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, and in doing so, our lives will take the shape of His cross. Jimmy Davis describes such a life in his book, Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life, possibly the best under-the-radar, Christian Living book this year. He writes, "We are shaped by the cross into the shape of the cross," and thus are transformed to fulfill roles of seeker, shepherd, sower and steward.
I will summarize these points.
As children of God, we seek his kingdom and his righteousness first (Matthew 6:33). We desire to act like him, to love and think like him. We look to Jesus as our example for living well.
"In relationship to other disciples," Davis writes, "the servant is a shepherd, one who encourages brothers and sisters in Christ, who loves and labors with them" for the kingdom (Colossians 3:12-16). There are caveats with this point, but generally speaking we love and work with each other keeping the abundant life of Christ in mind.
To those who aren't disciples, we sow the gospel through actions and conversation. We have compassion for the crowds, like Jesus does (Matthew 9:37), praying for them and serving them for the sake of His kingdom.
For everything in God's creation, we are stewards on His behalf of all the resources God has given us: "body, time, talents/gifts, money, head/heart/hands, words, work, creation" (Matthew 24:45-51).
We do this due to a focus on Christ's life, which is essentially cross-shaped, and out of the source of our spiritual strength, which is a cross-shaped spirit. Each of these roles intermingles with the community in which they serve, a give-and-take that makes Jesus' disciples interdependent. Davis carries these concepts through the end of the book as he describes that cross-shaped source of our spiritual lives.
Each chapter opens with a well-written, personal example of that chapter's theme, showing how he has learned and continues to learn the principles he has written here. Perhaps the most difficult of these principles is the overcoming of sin by faith, not by effort (Galatians 3:1-5), which is the reason Davis builds his book on it. His constant refrain throughout the book sings of the grace by which we were saved being the same grace through which we obey and are made holy. Even in the worst situations (the last chapter begins with one), our Heavenly Father's grace gives us the strength to persevere.
I look forward to living perpetually in that grace. Sometimes I think I've learned that lesson, and then I discover I haven't. I want to make space in my daily routine to hear the gospel, to dwell on the Father's love, as Davis describes it, because that cross-shaped song is where the abundant life is.
Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, and in doing so, our lives will take the shape of His cross. Jimmy Davis describes such a life in his book, Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life, possibly the best under-the-radar, Christian Living book this year. He writes, "We are shaped by the cross into the shape of the cross," and thus are transformed to fulfill roles of seeker, shepherd, sower and steward.
I will summarize these points.
As children of God, we seek his kingdom and his righteousness first (Matthew 6:33). We desire to act like him, to love and think like him. We look to Jesus as our example for living well.
"In relationship to other disciples," Davis writes, "the servant is a shepherd, one who encourages brothers and sisters in Christ, who loves and labors with them" for the kingdom (Colossians 3:12-16). There are caveats with this point, but generally speaking we love and work with each other keeping the abundant life of Christ in mind.
To those who aren't disciples, we sow the gospel through actions and conversation. We have compassion for the crowds, like Jesus does (Matthew 9:37), praying for them and serving them for the sake of His kingdom.
For everything in God's creation, we are stewards on His behalf of all the resources God has given us: "body, time, talents/gifts, money, head/heart/hands, words, work, creation" (Matthew 24:45-51).
We do this due to a focus on Christ's life, which is essentially cross-shaped, and out of the source of our spiritual strength, which is a cross-shaped spirit. Each of these roles intermingles with the community in which they serve, a give-and-take that makes Jesus' disciples interdependent. Davis carries these concepts through the end of the book as he describes that cross-shaped source of our spiritual lives.
Each chapter opens with a well-written, personal example of that chapter's theme, showing how he has learned and continues to learn the principles he has written here. Perhaps the most difficult of these principles is the overcoming of sin by faith, not by effort (Galatians 3:1-5), which is the reason Davis builds his book on it. His constant refrain throughout the book sings of the grace by which we were saved being the same grace through which we obey and are made holy. Even in the worst situations (the last chapter begins with one), our Heavenly Father's grace gives us the strength to persevere.
I look forward to living perpetually in that grace. Sometimes I think I've learned that lesson, and then I discover I haven't. I want to make space in my daily routine to hear the gospel, to dwell on the Father's love, as Davis describes it, because that cross-shaped song is where the abundant life is.
July 7, 2011
Review: Smooth Stones by Joe Coffey
Smooth Stones: Bringing Down the Giant Questions of Apologetics
by Joe Coffey (Cruciform Press, June 2011)
Reviewed by Steve Williamson
I believe a helpful definition of apologetics is "the science and art of making a defense of one's faith." An apologist must be a scientist who rationally defends against objections of non-believers and provides logical arguments for the Christian worldview. But an apologist must also have the touch of an artist and the subjective sense to infer the needs of the person on the other side of the discussion.
Most of us will not stand at a podium opposite a professor in a debate on a college campus. The people to whom most of us will make a defense of Christian believing are people like us. Many will come with bumper sticker thin statements they mistake for arguments, but also with deep wounds these arguments cover.
Joe Coffey (who is also co-author of Red Like Blood ) has written a helpful book for Christians (and non-believers) who have head-and-heart questions about, or objections to, Christian believing. And therefore, Smooth Stones fulfills the science and the art of apologetics. By publisher design, the book is a short 106 pages. David was diminutive compared to Goliath and so this book, aptly intoning the David and Goliath story, seeks to bring down some of the Goliath questions of our day without the benefit (or hindrance) of several hundred pages.
I liked Smooth Stones . It has an easy conversational style. Coffey was able to take complex topics such as God's existence, the authenticity of the Bible, pluralism, and the problem of evil and demonstrate for the head and the heart that Christianity has the best explanatory power of any worldview. In other words, Christianity best fits and explains our reality.
I particularly appreciated the answers for the head and answers for the heart sections at the end of each chapter. Sometimes in apologetics we have the right answers to questions not being asked. There are times in evangelism and teaching when the question asked is not the real issue. Coffey does a nice job of supplying the reader with avenues to explore each issue in both the head and the heart arenas.
I would recommend Smooth Stones for people new to apologetics who want to have a very good grip on several contemporary objections to Christian believing. I also think this would make a good text for High School and College ministries that wish to provide a good and readable resource for their students. As a gift for a non-believer, I think Smooth Stones would be good for those whose objections to Christian believing are not too deeply entrenched. This is not a slight on the content of the book, but rather the length precludes quite a bit of discussion that could be had.
by Joe Coffey (Cruciform Press, June 2011)
Reviewed by Steve Williamson
I believe a helpful definition of apologetics is "the science and art of making a defense of one's faith." An apologist must be a scientist who rationally defends against objections of non-believers and provides logical arguments for the Christian worldview. But an apologist must also have the touch of an artist and the subjective sense to infer the needs of the person on the other side of the discussion.
Most of us will not stand at a podium opposite a professor in a debate on a college campus. The people to whom most of us will make a defense of Christian believing are people like us. Many will come with bumper sticker thin statements they mistake for arguments, but also with deep wounds these arguments cover.
Joe Coffey (who is also co-author of Red Like Blood ) has written a helpful book for Christians (and non-believers) who have head-and-heart questions about, or objections to, Christian believing. And therefore, Smooth Stones fulfills the science and the art of apologetics. By publisher design, the book is a short 106 pages. David was diminutive compared to Goliath and so this book, aptly intoning the David and Goliath story, seeks to bring down some of the Goliath questions of our day without the benefit (or hindrance) of several hundred pages.
I liked Smooth Stones . It has an easy conversational style. Coffey was able to take complex topics such as God's existence, the authenticity of the Bible, pluralism, and the problem of evil and demonstrate for the head and the heart that Christianity has the best explanatory power of any worldview. In other words, Christianity best fits and explains our reality.
I particularly appreciated the answers for the head and answers for the heart sections at the end of each chapter. Sometimes in apologetics we have the right answers to questions not being asked. There are times in evangelism and teaching when the question asked is not the real issue. Coffey does a nice job of supplying the reader with avenues to explore each issue in both the head and the heart arenas.
I would recommend Smooth Stones for people new to apologetics who want to have a very good grip on several contemporary objections to Christian believing. I also think this would make a good text for High School and College ministries that wish to provide a good and readable resource for their students. As a gift for a non-believer, I think Smooth Stones would be good for those whose objections to Christian believing are not too deeply entrenched. This is not a slight on the content of the book, but rather the length precludes quite a bit of discussion that could be had.
June 24, 2011
Review of Cruciform at Transforming Sermons
My blogging friend Milton Stanley, at
Transforming Sermons,
has been under the weather and out of blogging rhythm for awhile, so I'm thankful to hear he is feeling better and posting again as he feels up to it.
Milton has always excelled at sharing rich fodder for preachers and teachers of God's Word from other preachers and teachers (subscribe to his blog for good stuff), and I'm happy to hear that we may now be getting a taste of Milton's heart and life through his own writing. Welcome back sir!
And it's because of his extended time away that I am honored that Milton took the time to read and review my book. I'm encouraged by his refreshingly honest review. Here's a snippet, but go to his blog to read the rest:
"Jimmy does so many things well in this book: provides an overview of the Bible story, explains the glory of God, and demonstrates how the cross is stitched into the very fabric of creation. Don't let Cruciform's very readable style obscure its theological depth. Whether you're a seeker, one new to the faith, or a mature Christian, Cruciform shines a lot of light on a lot of life."
Milton has always excelled at sharing rich fodder for preachers and teachers of God's Word from other preachers and teachers (subscribe to his blog for good stuff), and I'm happy to hear that we may now be getting a taste of Milton's heart and life through his own writing. Welcome back sir!
And it's because of his extended time away that I am honored that Milton took the time to read and review my book. I'm encouraged by his refreshingly honest review. Here's a snippet, but go to his blog to read the rest:
"Jimmy does so many things well in this book: provides an overview of the Bible story, explains the glory of God, and demonstrates how the cross is stitched into the very fabric of creation. Don't let Cruciform's very readable style obscure its theological depth. Whether you're a seeker, one new to the faith, or a mature Christian, Cruciform shines a lot of light on a lot of life."
May 19, 2011
3 Questions For Every Situation
Three questions I need to ask myself regularly:
1) Will Jesus be my delight and satisfaction in the midst of this DIFFICULT situation?
2) Will Jesus be my delight and satisfaction in the midst of this COMFORTABLE situation?
3) Will I get to know Jesus better and become more like Him in this situation, even if it does not change?
(These are adapted from questions I've heard before, but I can't remember where I first heard them.)
1) Will Jesus be my delight and satisfaction in the midst of this DIFFICULT situation?
2) Will Jesus be my delight and satisfaction in the midst of this COMFORTABLE situation?
3) Will I get to know Jesus better and become more like Him in this situation, even if it does not change?
(These are adapted from questions I've heard before, but I can't remember where I first heard them.)
May 11, 2011
Words For Wednesdays
Following the lead of my new friend,
Nate Palmer
(author of
Servanthood As Worship
), I'll be posting quotes on Wednesdays. They may be quotes from my book or from other books that I've enjoyed, but they'll always be words worth watching for on Wednesdays!
We'll kick it off with a quote from the introduction to Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life :
"Here in the 21st century we need more cruciform churches. Not lavish cathedrals but living communities of disciples being shaped by the cross into the shape of the cross for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors, the nations, and the next generation. Our best hope is to cooperate with The Architect, who promised he would build his church (Matthew 16:18) as we join him to form our families, small groups, and churches into "cruciform communities." Such communities visibly show and verbally share the message of the cross because they are made up of people who have been vibrantly shaped by that message" (pages 8-9).
We'll kick it off with a quote from the introduction to Cruciform: Living the Cross-Shaped Life :
"Here in the 21st century we need more cruciform churches. Not lavish cathedrals but living communities of disciples being shaped by the cross into the shape of the cross for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors, the nations, and the next generation. Our best hope is to cooperate with The Architect, who promised he would build his church (Matthew 16:18) as we join him to form our families, small groups, and churches into "cruciform communities." Such communities visibly show and verbally share the message of the cross because they are made up of people who have been vibrantly shaped by that message" (pages 8-9).
May 6, 2011
A New Power: Jesus Be Jesus In Me
So far we've seen that Jesus secured the New Covenant promise of a
New Purity
and a
New Passion
for us through his blood (Luke 22:20). But he also guarantees us the promise of a New Power to love God and others: "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (Ezekiel 36:27).
Through Jesus' blood of the New Covenant I have been given a New Purity, washed clean from my rebellious Law-breaking, forgiven for my me-first refusal to love God and love others as the Ten Commandments require. And through Jesus blood the heart that used to beat with a me-first passion for my own glory is superceded by a beats with a passion for the glory of God and the good of others. Now I have a New Passion, a greater desire to keep God's Law of Love than to break it.
But unless and until I have a power source that fuels that kind of obedience, I won't love God and others with a heart that says "You first."
And that's why the next promise in Ezekiel 36 is the promise of a New Power, the power of the Holy Spirit. If we have embraced Jesus through repentance and faith in the gospel, then the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us and supplies us the power to love like Jesus:
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:9-11
Because of the gospel we can sing "Jesus be Jesus in me, no longer me but Thee. Resurrection power fill me this hour. Jesus be Jesus in me."
Through Jesus' blood of the New Covenant I have been given a New Purity, washed clean from my rebellious Law-breaking, forgiven for my me-first refusal to love God and love others as the Ten Commandments require. And through Jesus blood the heart that used to beat with a me-first passion for my own glory is superceded by a beats with a passion for the glory of God and the good of others. Now I have a New Passion, a greater desire to keep God's Law of Love than to break it.
But unless and until I have a power source that fuels that kind of obedience, I won't love God and others with a heart that says "You first."
And that's why the next promise in Ezekiel 36 is the promise of a New Power, the power of the Holy Spirit. If we have embraced Jesus through repentance and faith in the gospel, then the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us and supplies us the power to love like Jesus:
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 8:9-11
Because of the gospel we can sing "Jesus be Jesus in me, no longer me but Thee. Resurrection power fill me this hour. Jesus be Jesus in me."
